MTM/Special Ops Watch Company Reveals Its Top-Secret Bracelet Construction For 3-Ger Watch

Los Angeles-based MTM/Special Ops Watch Company — creator of tactical watches for the military and law enforcement — reveals the secret behind the construction of its revolutionary watch bracelet that equips the brand’s Sherman 3-Ger tactical watch. The patented bracelet was inspired by the thick treads of the nearly indestructible Sherman Tanks of World War II, and is radically different from anything else on the market not only in looks, but also in technology.

The bracelet was conceived of by MTM (Multi Time Machine) owner, Joe Casis, and  marks the advent of the world’s first ball bearing constructed watch bracelet. The decision to use ball bearings rather than pins or rods in the bracelet construction was two fold. On the one hand, there is the connection to the Sherman Tanks that inspired the look of the bracelet, as ball bearings were one of the most pivotal and important elements used in the making of the WWII tanks, planes, artillery and other equipment. On the other hand, there is the functional aspect: ball bearings and their easy rolling ability reduce the friction amongst the metal components and also reduce wear and tear on the bracelet. Additionally, from an aesthetic point of view, the bracelet is now devoid of any pinholes and pins, making for a beautifully clean side view. From a technical point, the ball bearings are sturdier than pins and offer greater longevity and durability. Each bracelet link is machined from solid titanium and connected via a machined metal, sapphire or ruby ball bearing. This construction also offers a smooth fluidity to the bracelet that enhances comfort and ergonomic appeal.

Another innovation that MTM brings to the Sherman 3-Ger bracelet is the fact that customers can choose the ball bearings they want used in their bracelet from several different colors of metal bearings, synthetic sapphire or ruby bearings, similar to the jewels used inside mechanical movements, or a mixture of them. This intriguing option yields an interesting aesthetic to the watches, which are crafted in titanium and offered in four colors with matching bracelets (titanium, black DLC titanium, gray sandblast, brushed gold-plated). There are also a host of other customizable options when selecting a Sherman 3-Ger watch with unique ball-bearing bracelet.

Each Sherman 3-Ger watch (already revolutionary in itself thanks to a bezel that can be raised by the wearer by 1mm to further protect the crystal) is also sold with three additional straps, including a leather strap, a nylon fabric strap and a rubber strap. However, it is the bracelet that reigns supreme for tactical use. Bracelets with ball bearings and floating links are made to fit, but are also adjustable Each MTM 3-Ger watch retails for between $10,000 and $12,500 depending on the options selected.

“In an effort to support brick-and-mortar retailers, MTM/Special Ops, which, since its inception in 2003,  has always only offered its watches for sale direct-to-consumers via its own online website, introduces a new  way to bring only the finest brick-and-mortar watch retailers on board – giving them access to one of the cleanest, non-discounted brands on the market. For MTM, the focus has always been first and foremost on experiences and lifestyles because of the type of product it builds. Many of its watches are equipped with tactical features such as radiation detection sensors, the brightest flashlight ever to be put in a watch, and more.  In short, the product is very specific and appeals to an active lifestyle consumer that certain retailers may not be able to draw into their stores with their current watch selection.

Additionally, by always controlling its own distribution channel, and by building each watch (which can be customized in a host of different ways) on a made-to-order basis, MTM Special Ops has been able to control pricing for 16 years. Because there has never any liquidation needed, price-cutting doesn’t exist, thereby making this a brand that consumers will not find discounted anywhere. In the retail partnerships MTM is forming, discounting of any sort will not permitted, and the brand has a checks-and-balances plan in place to ensure retailers comply.   MTM continues to work in its made-to-order online sales method even via the retailer to control production numbers. The retailer only receives enough product to show samples to customers, who then work with the store to create their own customized MTM watch.  It seems to be a great solution for the brand, the retailer and the ultimate consumers.”